Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel of the same name, The Secret Garden was set apart from the beginning by the composition of its creative team. Not many Broadway shows can boast a female composer (Lucy Simon), di... more &raquorector (Susan H. Schulman), librettist/lyricist (Marsha Norman), and producer/set designer (Heidi Landesman)--not to mention an 11-year old (Daisy Eagan) in the lead. This story of a little girl who helps her grieving uncle and sickly cousin regain a taste for life is a delicate, lovely achievement. Steeped in moody Victoriana, it should enchant those who enjoy a more understated style of musical theater. The great cast includes Mandy Patinkin, Rebecca Luker as his dead wife Lily's ghost, and the perenially underrated Alison Fraser. --Elisabeth Vincentelli&laquo less

Synopsis

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Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel of the same name, The Secret Garden was set apart from the beginning by the composition of its creative team. Not many Broadway shows can boast a female composer (Lucy Simon), director (Susan H. Schulman), librettist/lyricist (Marsha Norman), and producer/set designer (Heidi Landesman)--not to mention an 11-year old (Daisy Eagan) in the lead. This story of a little girl who helps her grieving uncle and sickly cousin regain a taste for life is a delicate, lovely achievement. Steeped in moody Victoriana, it should enchant those who enjoy a more understated style of musical theater. The great cast includes Mandy Patinkin, Rebecca Luker as his dead wife Lily's ghost, and the perenially underrated Alison Fraser. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Member CD Reviews

Bobbi B. from SYLMAR, CA Reviewed on 9/3/2009...

Excellent

CD Reviews

Magnificent moody musical

efrex | New York, NY USA | 06/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the standout broadway musicals of the last part of the 20th century, The Secret Garden boasts a great source (Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic novel), a wonderful score by Lucy Simon, and a superb cast. From the opening exotic sounds of the cholera outbreak in India which leaves young Mary Lenox orphaned to the (admittedly somewhat schmaltzy) finale of "This, my lovely child, is your garden!" the score swirls and soars in a magnificent musical tapestry. Almost universally consistent accents (an extreme rarity in Broadway theater; kudos to the dialect coach) are instrumental in helping establish the "feel" of the piece, and the dark Yorkshire moor where the majority of the action is set.The cast features the youngest Tony winner to date, 11-year-old Daisy Eagan, who plays Mary Lennox to perfection. Rebecca Luker's glorious soaring soprano makes Lily's ghost songs heartbreakingly ethereal, and even Mandy Patinkin's usual histrionics don't detract a bit from his powerful rendition of the disfigured, disturbed, and perpetually mourning Archibald. The supporting cast is equally superb: Alison Fraser performs "Hold On" and "Fine White Horse" with warm wit and tenderness, and John Cameron Mitchell (now perhaps better known for Hedwig and the Angry Inch) has an impish tone as Dickon, with the standout solos "Winter's on the Wing" and "Wick."The recording wisely includes a substantial amount of dialogue to supplement the score, making it possible to understand the show fully, even for those who haven't seen it (or, like me, saw it almost half a lifetime ago). Complete lyrics, and a solid, concise plot synopsis further enhance the package. A solid addition to any musical theater fan's collection."

Heartbreaking musical

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 10/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THE SECRET GARDEN, based on Frances Burnett's classic children's novel, opened on Broadway in musical form in 1991 to critical and audience acclaim. Most of the praise was for the amazing, eclectic score written by Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman.The show originally starred Daisy Eagan (Mary Lennox), Mandy Patinkin (Archibald Craven), Rebecca Luker (Lily Craven), Robert Westenberg (Dr Craven), Alison Fraser (Martha) and John Cameron Mitchell (Dickon).The score features a lush combination of haunting love songs, sweeping waltzes, Celtic-inspired chants and rock-type anthems as well as a few Broadway-style tunes.Standout songs include the heartbreaking "How Could I Ever Know?", the jaunty "A Fine White Horse", and "A Girl in the Valley". Other great songs are "Winter's on the Wing", "The Girl I Mean to Be", "Wick", "Come To My Garden" and "Race You To the Top of the Morning".It is one of the greatest tragedies that this musical did not run longer on Broadway, but it was later re-conceived and significantly re-written for its West End production at the Aldwych Theatre.Highly recommended."

Beautiful lyrics with standout performances

Daniella Wassella | Tampa, Florida | 02/20/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Prior to this recording, I am ashanmed to say that I had never heard Mandy Patinkin. His Archie was absolutely fantastic! "Race You to the Top of the Morning" was flawless; his intonation and the music and the lyrics were in perfect sync. Once again, I'm ashamed to admit that I had never heard Rebecca Luker or Daisy Eagan before this either. Both turned in beautiful performances, particularily Luker's Lily in "How Could I Ever Know".I am partial, however, in both book and musical, to Dickon. John Cameron Mitchell's portrayal is honest and artless while showing off a real talent for conveying emotions through voice alone. (For more but VERY different JCM, see "Hedwig and the Angry Inch")As a true fan on musical theatre and no of several of the artists featured on this album, I MUST reccomend this. While the orchestration and vocal arrangements sometimes tend to drag on, one song is worth the entire price of the album. "Lily's Eyes" is possibly the greatest song I have heard come out of musical theatre. The first time I listened to the song, my eyes were red and I was quite ready to cry. If there is one song everybody must hear at least once, "Lily's Eyes" would be it.Fans of Mandy Patinkin, musical theatre, and the Burnett's book will adore this, but the story is engulfing even to the skeptical listener. The performances are absolutely amazing."

Unlock the Magic!

Ryan MacRae | 05/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a huge theatre fan. I mean, theatre is my life! That's why i am so glad that my life is hitting a bright beautiful patch! Why, you ask? Simple--The Secret Garden! I just fell head over heels in love with this magical show. The music is simply stunning! The lyrics range from dazzlingly innocent ("Show me the Key" especially) to exceptionally profound and emotional ("Lily's Eyes"). Rebecca Luker (who was so wonderful in "the Sound of Music") and Daisy Eagan shine! John Cameron Mitchell's Dickon is tons of fun, adding a splendid comic relief naivety to the production. Then, of course, there's Mandy Patinkin who at first listen sounds a bit out of place. Patinkin sounds to reserved in the beginning--a far cry from his "Evita" days. But after a few songs the voice settles into your system and you come to love him along with everyone else. I often buy cast recordings that stay in my CD player for mere hours before I put them back in their cases and in storage. This, my friends, is not one such album! I will be surprised if I ever take it out! It's wonderful, ranking right up there with "Ragtime." You must discover "The Secret Garden.""

In short, the Best Musical EVER!

Daniella Wassella | 07/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best musical I have ever seen in my life, and I have heard and seen quite a variety, from Singin' in the Rain and On the Town to Cats and Jesus Christ Superstar to Swing Time to The Wizard of Oz to Les Mis to My Fair Lady to The Sound of Music and State Fair to Fiddler on the Roof to Gypsy to Hello, Dolly! and more. I saw a production of it at my local high school, and it is truly magical. You will love it. This CD with Robert Westenburg, Mandy Patinkin, Rebecca Luker, Daisy Eagan...The cast is outstanding...The music is just perfect...your heart will break for Archie and Neville during "Lily's Eyes." "Hold On" will lift your spirits to the skies, you'll feel lighter than air, like you could fly! That's how inspirational it is. "I Heard Someone Crying" is hauntingly beautiful, and "A Girl in the Valley" is a lovely lilting melody, and romantic as well. "Wick" will have you up and singing with a smile spread across your face. "If I had a fine White Horse" is a comical song that bounces along with a rhythm and a melody that you stop singing. "The House Upon the Hill" is a moody, dramatic song that sets the stage for Misselthwaite Manor. "Come to My Garden"/"Lift Me Up" has two beautiful melodies weaving through each other, each complementing the other; one a gentle appeal my a mother and the other the promise from a child. "Where in the World" and "How Could I Ever Know"...I have no words left to describe them, but they are among the best songs I have ever heard. Every melody will get locked into your heart and stay with you forever. Please buy this, and listen to every second of every song. I can promise you quite easily, without a doubt, that you will not regret it."